• Wine Tasting Tips – Aromas

When trying to detect aromas in wine, it helps to know that each grape varietal has a few classic aromas. Here is a “cheat sheet” for many of the more popular red and white varietals for your reference:

Cabernet Sauvignon: black currant, mint, plum, eucalyptus, bell pepper, olives, vanilla, black cherry, cedar, anise, cassis

Merlot: red berries, black berries, eucalyptus, mint, herb, bell pepper, plum, violets, cassis, fruit cake, chocolate

Pinot Noir: red currant, strawberry, cherry (red or black), raspberry, violets, mushrooms, decaying leaves, cola

Syrah/Shiraz: raspberry, black or white pepper, blackberry, red or black currant, cassis, jam, smoke, leather, tar, coffee

Zinfandel: Wild berries, raspberry, plum, pepper, bramble, earth

Chardonnay: apple, melon, peach, pineapple, pear, lemon, fig, honey, butter, toast

Sauvignon Blanc: grass, gooseberry, nettles, herbs, tropical fruit, citrus, fig, cat pee

Riesling: green apple, lime, peach, grapefruit, honeysuckle, mineral, slate, floral, petrol, toast